The "A Visit With Barbara" Story

Diederick and Barbara with Scarlett.
Photograph was taken two years ago.

It was an ordinary day.  Sun was high in the sky and there was barely a breeze.  Didn't matter anyway since we were on our way to Barbara's house in Sint Maarten no matter what the weather may have been.  For the past few years we have visited our friends Barbara and her husband Diederick in their beautiful home with the sky-blue roof on the hill high above L.B. Scott Road on the Dutch side of the island known as Sint Maarten/St. Martin.  Diederick is the founder and owner of the Cannegieter Liquor Store in downtown Philipsburg, a long stone's throw from their home in the hills. But, today Dee, as he is known, is sailing in a regatta on the island of Antigua and we will miss his advice on raising the flowers and shrubs that fill about an acre next to their home.  

Entrance to the Cannegieter Home.

As we arrive we are greeted by the "Beware of Dog" sign and a cutout of a cat that both are located next to the front gate of their home.  We ring the bell and wait a second before Barbara walks toward us to open the gate.  Hugs and kisses follow and we are then greeted by first Scarlett and then Amber, their dogs.  We grab a glass of liquid refreshment and take our annual walk through the garden and find a relaxing chair near their pool.  

Carol with friend Scarlett sharing hugs and kisses.

Thus begins the story of our visit which for the next hour or so is filled with story after story about life on both Sint Maarten and Pennsyl- vania.  After a few minutes I leave the girls and wander around for a few more photos of the garden.  Try using my close-up attachment for my camera and photograph some of the smallest items in the garden.  As I return I see Barbara has gathered her scrapbooks of the island for me to view and take photos of those which I may be able to use for stories in the future.  Barbara tells us of her visit a few days ago with a group of girls whom she sees when they also visit the island.   One of the girls, Pat, is someone I have always wanted to meet since getting to know her on the website http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=stmartin.  

Hummingbird visits the home for a snack.

Oh well, maybe next year!  As our visit came to an end, we bid farewell with hopes of returning once again to the island that is known as "The Friendly Island" and Barbara and Dee are two great examples of why the island is known as such.  Thank You very much for your hospitality and here's hoping we can meet once again next year.  It was another extraordianry day in the life of an ordinary guy.

This photo and the ones that follow were taken with my iPhone and an attachable close-up lens.